Ridgefield gets past Wilton

Danny Atkinson

Updated 12:31 am, Saturday, November 16, 2013

WILTON -- What a difference a week makes. Last Friday, Ridgefield earned its biggest win of the season with a lopsided win over previously undefeated McMahon. This Friday, the Tigers found themselves in a nip-and-tuck on the road against a Wilton team that began the night having lost five games in a row.

The Warriors gave Ridgefield everything it could handle and led at the half before eventually falling 21-13.

Quarterback Ryan Dunn used both his legs and arm to lead the Tigers (8-2, 6-2) comeback. His 7-touchdown run four minutes into the third quarter tied the game, and the junior followed it up with a goal-line touchdown pass to senior Andrew Chuma with 9:36 remaining in the fourth to give his team a 20-13 lead.

Latest Sports Video

"It took everything we had to win tonight," Ridgefield head coach Kevin Callahan said. "Wilton is a very physical team, and they are much better than their record shows."

"I'm very proud of how our guys fought tonight," Wilton head coach Bruce Cunningham said. "Losing this game is very tough to swallow."

With the win, the Tigers stayed in the hunt for a Class LL playoff berth, holding on to the spot eighth in the ratings.

Ridgefield opened the scoring, going up 6-0 with 2:50 remaining in the first on a 2-yard touchdown run by Will Bonaparte. The Warriors (3-7, 1-7) quickly responded with touchdown runs by senior running back John D'Elisa and senior quarterback Brett Phillips in the first four minutes of the second. D'Elisa pounded it in from three yards out, while Phillips beat a group of defenders to go seven yards.

Despite the three rushing touchdowns, both defenses did a strong job of limiting big gains in the first half due to their tackling and ability to read plays. Wilton especially was able to control the line of scrimmage up front.

"They defended us very well all night," Cunningham said. "Their linebackers did a great job of limiting our ability to make plays outside."

In the second half, the Tigers did a better job of consistently generating offense. Bonaparte propelled Ridgefield with his ability to muscle through defenders and break tackles. Dunn was also able to consistently pick up yards on slant passes. Both converted key third downs on Ridgefield's touchdown drives.

"We did a better job of controlling the line of scrimmage in the second half, and were able to execute under press," Cunningham said.

Ridgefield's defense also did a better job of executing in the second half. Its secondary did an excellent job of covering Wilton's receivers and forcing Phillips to make poor throws. The D's highlight play came when it stopped Phillips on a third down scramble just short of the down marker with three minutes remaining.

"It was a good play to call to try and get the first down there," Callahan said. "They just did a great job of making the tackle on Brendan at the last minute. Ultimately, we just couldn't consistently pick up yards in the second half."

The loss was the Warriors fourth straight to a team with two losses or less. They previously lost to Trumbull, Darien and New Canaan.

Even in defeat, the Warriors play reminded Cunningham of what he loves about his team.

"This is one of the best teams I've ever coached," he said. "Our players fight their tails off. They never back down and give 100 percent in every game."